Monitoring of very polar and ionisable compounds (vPICs) of emerging concern in environmental and drinking water

Presenting a challenge to detection and monitoring, very polar and ionisable compounds (vPICs) demonstrate strong hydrophilicity, binding strongly to water and making their extraction difficult. The gap in knowledge of their environmental levels means we cannot be sure of the deleterious effects they may be having to both environments and people. By diversifying passive sampler set ups it is hoped that this project can improve detection of vPICs, providing temporally relevant data with an easy to use and economical approach.

Joe is undertaking a PhD to improve aquatic pollutant monitoring internationally; passive sampling techniques will be developed to assess ionised contaminant concentrations. He initially worked at QAEHS on a microplastics project to finalise his Masters in aquatic ecology and water quality management from Wageningen University & Research. He considers working to ensure safe water to be of paramount importance for humans and the wider environment; dedicating himself to working in this field.

Please note this is a PhD Confirmation review seminar.